By Jimmy Lee

According to the University of Georgia, an estimated half million horses call Georgia home.

Georgia’s equine industry contributes almost $1 billion in economic benefit to the state.

For many people, horse ownership is a lifelong dream. Not only is riding fun, it is also a great form of exercise. Being able to ride whenever you wish is one of the many benefits of horse ownership. Social and competitive opportunities become available with horse ownership, and frequently a horse is a confidant and close companion. Many horse lovers simply enjoy spending time with horses and caring for them as another member of the family.

Caring for horses is far different than caring for small household pets. For this reason, the Georgia Farm Bureau Equine Advisory Committee would like to encourage anyone considering the purchase of a horse to fully understand what ownership involves. Before you buy a horse, you really need to look at your monthly commitments and determine if you want to cut back on something else to have a horse. There is nothing worse than buying a horse and then not being able to feed and care for it.

If you have your own property with grass, this will make a difference on your monthly expenses. If you have a place of your own, you can save loads of money, especially on food. All horses are grazers by nature. Given the opportunity, a horse will spend most of his time in his favorite pasture! If not, then check the boarding stables in your area to determine what it will cost to house and feed your horse. Depending on where you live, full board can run from $250 a month to $1,000 a month.

During the summer months, many horses can happily exist on pasture with little or no additional feeding. However, the pasture that may provide your horse with adequate nutrition through the summer stops growing in the winter and the nutritional value of the pasture is at its lowest. For the winter months, hay is the best nutritional way to go. Grain and salt blocks are also another way to keep your horse healthy.

Before you bring a new horse home, contact a trusted veterinarian and give him the general information on the horse you want to buy. Never purchase a horse or pony without having the animal examined by a trusted vet or riding instructor.

Horses also require health care. Always keep the vet’s contact information displayed prominently in your stable or barn. But also be prepared to administer medicine to your horse or pony and make sure that you feel comfortable doing so.

If you feel up to the challenge of horse ownership, the annual 4-H Benefit Auction held each February, is an excellent place to buy a quality horse at a great price. The auction is conducted by the GFB Equine Advisory Committee, and the proceeds from the sale go to the University of Georgia 4-H Equine Program. Owning a horse can be a wonderful relationship as long as you are ready to accept the responsibility of caring for and tending to the needs of your new friend.

For more information on horse ownership, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service agent, stables in your area, or horse owners you know whom would be willing to share their experience with you. The responsibility may seem daunting, but the challenge of tending to your horse is easily mastered. Knowing how to care for your horse is the key to a healthy life, for you and for your horse. Happy trails to you.


Jimmy Lee is a commodity specialist in the GFB Commodity Department.